PBO says Canada needs to double dollars to B.C.on-reserve schools

The federal office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer says Canada needs to double the dollars provided to B.C. for on-reserve schools, just for their upkeep. The office said funding required could reach $47 million by 2028-29, based on anticipated growth in student populations. Ottawa typically provides $26 million annually. The report was requested by NDP Aboriginal Affairs critic, MP Jean Crowder, as a follow-up to a study by the budget officer in 2009 that said the 500-plus reserve schools in the country are underfunded by nearly $200 million annually. “The government continues to deny that there are gaps in funding, and now we’ve got this evidence that once again reaffirms there is a difference to what kids can have access to on reserve versus off reserve.”